Sedaro wins Space Force: Digital twins eevolutionize spacecraft design

In a significant development for the aerospace industry, Sedaro, a pioneering startup specializing in digital engineering software, has clinched a coveted contract with the U.S. Space Force. This $1.5 million contract, announced on August 22, marks a pivotal moment in space technology innovation. Under the Small Business Innovation Research Phase 2 award, part of the Orbital Prime program, Sedaro is set to demonstrate the transformative power of digital twins in designing spacecraft.

Digital Twins: The Future of Spacecraft Design

Digital twins, often described as virtual replicas of physical objects or systems, are at the forefront of technological advancement. In this context, they replicate spacecraft, opening up new frontiers in design and development. The allure of digital twins lies in their ability to allow for design adjustments and refinements before any physical hardware is constructed. This paradigm shift promises to streamline the spacecraft development process and lead to more efficient and effective outcomes.

ISAM Missions: The Focus of Sedaro’s Innovation

Sedaro’s mission under this contract is to leverage its cloud-based digital engineering software to craft prototype spacecraft tailored for ISAM missions. ISAM, an acronym for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing, represents a pivotal aspect of future space exploration and operations. The ability to design spacecraft optimized for these missions is crucial for enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Space Force.

To achieve their ambitious goals, Sedaro has joined forces with esteemed academic institutions: the Space Dynamics Laboratory and Draper Labs. These partners will play an essential role in providing valuable insights and user perspectives to fine-tune Sedaro’s digital twin platform. Their contributions will span a wide range of ISAM technologies, including robotic manipulators, cameras, sensors for targeting, docking mechanisms, and refueling ports.

Robbie Robertson, co-founder and CEO of Sedaro, expressed their collective vision: “Our goal is to develop digital twin software that will accelerate and improve ISAM technology development and deployment — both commercially and for the U.S. Space Force.”

Orbital Prime Program

One of the central objectives of the Orbital Prime program is to revolutionize the aerospace industry by reducing reliance on physical prototyping and testing. Instead, the program advocates for the extensive use of digital tools that can be readily shared among developers and operators. This transition promises to yield significant benefits, including cost savings and faster development cycles.

The implications of Sedaro’s Space Force contract are profound. By harnessing the capabilities of digital twins, the aerospace industry is on the cusp of a transformative era in spacecraft design. The ability to model and fine-tune spacecraft virtually before construction begins offers unprecedented flexibility and efficiency.

Sedaro’s collaboration with academic partners highlights the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in space technology innovation. With the combined expertise of industry leaders and academic pioneers, the future of ISAM missions looks promising.

Redefining Spacecraft Development

Sedaro’s victory in securing a Space Force contract to demonstrate the power of digital twins represents a pivotal moment in aerospace history. As the industry pivots toward digital tools and away from physical prototyping, the possibilities for innovation and efficiency are limitless. The successful implementation of this project promises to redefine spacecraft development, making it faster, more cost-effective, and adaptable to the ever-evolving needs of space exploration.

The journey to ISAM missions and beyond is paved with virtual prototypes, thanks to Sedaro’s commitment to innovation and the U.S. Space Force’s vision for the future of space technology. Stay tuned as the aerospace industry takes flight into this exciting new era.